How LG is helping ALBON unlock Australian innovation
ALBON has developed a modular system that uses algae to treat wastewater, converting captured waste into biochar.
ALBON, an Australian startup, is pioneering advancements in agri-tech with its innovative wastewater treatment system that converts waste into biochar, a carbon-rich material. This system, which uses algae to treat wastewater, is designed to be easily deployed in industries such as meat processing and dairy without requiring costly infrastructure changes. Biochar produced through this process can be utilized in soil improvement, carbon sequestration, and as additives in livestock feed and building materials.
Since its inception in 2023, ALBON has gained international recognition, including winning the LG Life’s Good Award in 2025. This accolade was achieved through the Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program, a collaboration between Taronga Conservation Society Australia and LG Electronics Australia. Under the leadership of CEO John Phipps, ALBON aims to address the environmental challenges posed by wastewater in the food production industry.
The ALBON system draws high-strength effluent from clients' lagoons or primary treatment stages into its modules, where a mix of algae and bacteria removes up to 95% of nitrogen and phosphorus biologically. The treated effluent is either discharged under licensed conditions or reused on-site, while the algal biomass is converted into biochar. This process not only aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances soil quality and livestock health.
To support ALBON's operations, LG Electronics Australia has provided eight UltraWide Curved Monitors to the startup. These monitors assist the team in managing complex tasks such as CAD modeling and large-dataset analysis, enhancing their productivity and ability to focus on sustainable innovations.
Gemma Lemieux, Marketing Director for LG Electronics Australia, highlights ALBON's role in advancing eco-innovation, stating that the company's efforts exemplify why LG has invested significantly in the Hatch program. ALBON's work serves as an inspiring example of Australian leadership in the ecopreneur space, demonstrating the potential for meaningful, sustainable innovation in agri-tech.
Source: Biochar Feed